Special dietary needs

OCR

GCSE

This study area necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, ethical, and religious determinants influencing dietary choices. Candidates must analyse specific nutritional requirements across the life course (from infancy to old age) and for specific medical conditions (Coeliac disease, Diabetes, CHD). Mastery involves not merely listing prohibited foods, but scientifically justifying nutrient modifications—such as protein complementation in veganism or glycemic control in diabetes—and evaluating the long-term health implications of dietary adherence or non-adherence.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Credit explanation of protein complementation (combining LBV foods) to provide all essential amino acids for vegans
Award marks for identifying hidden allergens in processed foods (e.g., casein in wine, gluten in soy sauce)
Candidates must link Coeliac disease to the damage of villi in the small intestine and the subsequent malabsorption of nutrients
Credit specific alternative ingredients (e.g., xanthan gum for gluten structure, fortified plant milks for calcium)

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Credit explanation of protein complementation (combining LBV foods) to provide all essential amino acids for vegans
Award marks for identifying hidden allergens in processed foods (e.g., casein in wine, gluten in soy sauce)
Candidates must link Coeliac disease to the damage of villi in the small intestine and the subsequent malabsorption of nutrients
Credit specific alternative ingredients (e.g., xanthan gum for gluten structure, fortified plant milks for calcium)

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When discussing vegans, explicitly mention the need for Vitamin B12 fortification as it is naturally absent in plant foods
💡For 'Plan a meal' questions, justify ingredients using specific nutrient functions (e.g., 'Spinach for iron to prevent anaemia')
💡Use the term 'anaphylactic shock' when describing severe allergic reactions, not just 'illness'
💡Ensure distinction between 'Lacto-vegetarian' (eats dairy) and 'Lacto-ovo vegetarian' (eats dairy and eggs)

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Conflating food allergies (immune response/histamine) with intolerances (digestive inability/enzyme deficiency)
Stating vegans cannot consume any protein; failing to identify plant-based HBV sources (soya, quinoa)
Suggesting 'gluten-free' is a weight-loss method rather than a medical necessity for Coeliacs

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

Read Study Guide

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Explain

Discuss

Assess

Justify

State

Evaluate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic